UConn running backs coach Barthel headed to Nebraska
UConn running backs coach E.J. Barthel has been hired by Nebraska’s new head coach Matt Rhule.
Barthell confirmed reports he is leaving with a tweet on Tuesday. In one season at UConn, Barthel helped the running game improve — the Huskies averaged 3.2 yards per carry in 2021 and 4.8 in 2022.
Rhule was hired by Nebraska last week He has a history with Barthel, who served as Director of Personnel under Rhule at Temple in 2015 and worked for Rhule on the Carolina Panthers staff in 2020 and 2021.
Barthel left the Panthers for UConn and joined coach Jim Mora’s staff in 2022.
Barthel, 37, who grew up in New Jersey and played college football at Rutgers and UMass, was also considered a strong recruiter in the northeast. He was also a popular a figure at UConn, as evidence by the reaction to his departure on social media.
Among those tweeting was Bristol native and true freshman Victor Rosa, who called Bartel “The Greatest.”
Rosa led UConn in he regular season with 561 yards and nine touchdowns, taking a prominent role after injuries to Nathan Carter and Devontae Houston. As a true freshman, Rosa averaged 4.5 yards per carry.
UConn (6-6) ended its regular season with a loss at Army, but the Huskies are awaiting a bowl bid.
Other tweets about Barthel came from graduate running back Robert Burns and Mora.